Signe Kivi’s solo exhibition brings textile art to life

Text Ingel Kink
Photo Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design

Starting on December 7, the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design presents Signe Kivi’s solo exhibition, Signatuur (Signature), which features her expressive, hand-printed textiles created over several decades.

The exhibition centres on printed textiles as a medium for artistic expression, presenting pieces from Kivi’s extensive archive. Her work, known for bold patterns, striking colour contrasts, and innovative designs, reflects a distinctive style developed over years of artistic exploration.

“Fabrics have captivated me since childhood,” Kivi explains. “Simple white, solid colours, or grand abstract designs. Contrasts like lime green with violet or fuchsia alongside turquoise have always drawn me in.”

Visitors can see hand-printed originals and designs revived at Lipuvabrik from different stages of Kivi’s career. Preparing for the exhibition gave her the chance to return to the printing process and reconnect with the thrill of transforming blank fabric, reminiscent of her early experiments as a student in 1977.

Born in 1957, Signe Kivi graduated as a textile artist from the Estonian State Art Institute in 1980. During her studies, hand-printing became central to her creative approach, leading her to begin exhibiting her work shortly after graduation.

Kivi’s professional path includes working at Kodu, designing functional and decorative textiles at ARS, and contributing to public art projects. She has been a member of the Estonian Artists’ Association since 1988 and a founding member of the ON Group since 1990. As long-time professor at the Estonian Academy of Arts, she has influenced generations of textile artists.

Her art has earned numerous accolades, including recognition at Baltic and Tallinn triennials. Over nearly 100 exhibitions, her impact on textile art continues to inspire. The Signatuur exhibition at the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design Gallery is a chance to explore the vibrant breadth of the artist’s creative legacy.

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Art Exhibition contemporary textile design Estonian Artists Estonian textile artist modern design Signe Kivi textile art